Dear Friends of Candlelighters,

In September, our community comes together to recognize National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (NCCAM). The month is dedicated to celebrating the brave superheroes who battle pediatric cancer. At Candlelighters, we understand that in addition to the shock of the diagnosis, there is a tremendous financial burden, an endless amount of travel, and an overwhelming emotional impact associated with childhood cancer. With your help – our organization is committed to ensuring that our local children and their families have the support and resources they critically need, especially with no pediatric oncology services offered in our area. Nearly 100 Candlelighter families in Brevard and Indian River counties benefit annually from 20 programs and services that help alleviate the emotional and financial burdens associated with childhood cancer. 

Operation Superhero

Candlelighters invites you to join us in celebrating NCCAM by making a donation in honor of Operation Superhero. Operation Superhero, in partnership with Jason Hook Photography, transforms our most deserving children into the superhero of their choice with a transformation and photoshoot celebrating them during their journey battling cancer. Donations help Candlelighters to encourage and nurture the children’s inner superheroes and show them that they are not alone in their fight. We are incredibly honored to spotlight our 2026 superheroes during this year’s campaign!

Donate: Please consider making a general donation of any amount to help raise funds during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Our campaign goal of $80,000 goes towards providing emotional support and financial assistance to families fighting cancer right here in our own community. Please fill out the donation form on our website: https://COBSuperhero26.givesmart.com.

Sponsor: Businesses can sponsor the Superhero Campaign with a donation of $1,000 to receive additional entitlements. Candlelighters proudly shares our donor list year-round on our website, along with additional elements ensuring return on investment. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, visit https://COBSuperhero26.givesmart.com or contact [email protected]. 

Our Candlelighter families – mom, dad, siblings, and child with cancer are all impacted by this devastating diagnosis. It will take a Justice League coming together for good to provide these families with every resource needed to fight the villain – cancer. Join our Justice League today by pledging your generous donation to Operation Superhero during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

Thank you for your consideration, 

Candlelighters Executive Staff & Board of Directors Because Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone

Candlelighters honors National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with the transformations of the 2026 Superheroes! Thank you to our donors and sponsors!

Meet our 2026 Superheroes

This week, we are honored to introduce Kolton as Spider-Man!

Thank you to our Superhero Donors!

Thank you to our Superhero Reveal Party Sponsor!

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors!

Hilton Melbourne, The King Center, JJ’s Embroidery, and Always on Beauty

Thank you to our Campaign Donors!

$5,000+

$2,500+

Kathy Hufford

$1,000+

Helene Thompson

$500+

Ann Hartnett
Gary Mastro
Vivian Hain

$250+

Anne Pieprzny
Beach Lodge #354 F&AM
Sabrina Thomas
Stephenie Pace
Therese Nelson

$100+

Beverly Kelly
Charlotte Bauer
Diana Zeller
Edna Fairbanks-Smith
Katie Yagnik
Ken and Chrissy Guzman
Kendal Signs
Kerry Speed
Lori Mitchell
Michael Toppa
Nancy Palmer
Patricia Tansey
Rick and Donna Schmid

$50+

Candice Polhill
Denise Nadle
Dorine Zimmerman
Eleanor Culliton
Elsa Colon
Jennifer and Eric Bienvenu
Jerry and Myriam Irizarry
Miriam Doyle

$20+

Carolyn Cook
James West
Michael Dunn
Michelle Duquette Buelow
Shirley Jarecki
Trisha Noren